Overview
What is Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology?
Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology (CLAHA) is an integrated degree programme that allows you to study the history, literature, art, archaeology, culture and thought of the ancient world in conjunction with one or both of the ancient languages. Flexible pathways enable you to pursue your own interests and graduate with a Single Honours degree in Classics (Latin and Greek), Ancient History and Archaeology, or Classical Civilisation, or to choose from a wide range of Joint Honours and Major/Minor combinations. Both languages can be begun from scratch, and previous study is not necessary.
Do you enjoy:
- Studying the literary and archaeological heritage of the ancient world?
- Exploring the ideas and the political, social and cultural history of ancient civilisations?
- Learning languages?
Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology: The course for you?
This may be the course for you if you enjoy learning languages, and are interested in studying the history, literature and culture of ancient civilisations, their achievements and their profound influence on the modern world. Whether you are more attracted by the mythology, literature and thought of the ancient world, or by the study of its material remains and the historical record of its achievements, Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology will allow you to develop and pursue your own interests and shape the degree programme in the way that suits you best.
Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology at Trinity
The Department of Classics has a world renowned reputation and courses are taught by academics at the top of their fields. Classics has been taught in Trinity since its foundation more than 400 years ago, and Trinity is unique in having professorships in both Greek and Latin. Teaching formats include a mixture of lectures, practical classes and small-group seminars, which encourage lively discussion and the development of independent thinking. There are opportunities to participate in archaeological fieldwork and in organised study tours to Greece and Italy, for both credit and non-credit. It is also possible to study abroad for a semester or a whole year.
Graduate skills and career opportunities
Trinity has a long tradition of Classics graduates who have continued on to postgraduate study and successful academic careers both in Europe and America. Our students find that their degree has been a real education and a source of continuing satisfaction to them, whatever employment they take up after leaving us. Recent graduates of the Classics Department have pursued careers in business, journalism, public relations, heritage and museum work, publishing, teaching and theatre, and are working for companies ranging from McKinsey and Co. and the Sunday Independent to the Gare St. Lazare Players.
Your degree and what you’ll study
At the beginning of the degree programme, you will be asked to choose between a dual language pathway (typically leading to a degree in Classics) and a single language pathway (typically leading to a degree in Ancient History and Archaeology or Classical Civilisation, with the option of continuing with the language to degree level). It is possible to switch between pathways in second year.
First year
All students will study the three major subjects and take a common core, consisting of introductory modules in Greek and Roman History and Art and Architecture. Students following the single language pathway take further modules in: Reading and Writing about Ancient Literature, Sources and Methods for Ancient History and Archaeology and, language-based modules at either Beginners’ or Intermediate level, depending on whether you have studied the language before.
Students following the dual language pathway take modules in both Greek and Latin at Beginners’ or Intermediate level, as appropriate; if beginning both languages from scratch, you study Latin in first year and begin Greek in second year.
Second year
In second year, you will be asked to confirm your choice of pathway, and will have the opportunity to focus on the aspects of the programme that most interest you. Students following the single language pathway focus on modules in Ancient History and Archaeology or Classical Civilisation in accordance with their preferred degree outcome (Single or Joint Honours or Major/Minor). At this stage, you may or may not choose to continue with the language taken in first year; you will also have the option of taking Trinity Elective modules or Approved Modules from another programme.
Students following the dual language pathway will continue to study both languages at Beginners or Intermediate level, and will take Trinity Elective modules or Open Modules.
Third and fourth years
In third and fourth year, you will continue to specialise in either Ancient History and Archaeology, Classical Civilisation or Classics, according to your preferred degree outcome. All modules are taught through lectures and small-group seminars and will encourage you to discuss key themes of relevance to both the ancient and modern world.
Ancient History and Archaeology modules offer the opportunity to focus on specific themes and periods in the history and archaeology of the Mediterranean, develop a deeper awareness of methods and theory, engage with ethical issues concerning cultural heritage,and to do ‘hands on’ work with artefacts.
Classical Civilisation modules focus on specific genres (such as epic, drama, philosophy, history-writing) or themes (such as gender and sexuality, humans and other animals): you will also refine your analysis of texts in their context through specialised methodologies. In fourth year you will choose from a range of module options, such as Entertainment and Spectacle; Goddesses of the Ancient Mediterranean; Anthropology and the Greeks; Kings and Cities; Constantine; Ancient Novel.
Third and fourth year modules in Classics progress to an in-depth study Greek and Roman literature, history and culture. You will refine your analysis of texts in their literary and cultural context through more specialised methodologies. Greek topics may include lyric and Hellenistic poetry, philosophy, and the novel. Latin topics may include Augustan poetry, Senecan tragedy, didactic poetry, early Latin, and satire.
Fourth year for all students includes a Capstone project, in the form of a dissertation on a subject of your choice. This is an opportunity to develop independent ideas and acquire critical skills while investigating in greater depth an area that particularly interests you.
There are QQI/FET routes available for this course. Please see www.cao.ie for details.
Click here for further information on modules/subject.
Study abroad
The Department has valuable Erasmus links with the Universities of Cyprus, Udine (Italy), Geneva, Bordeaux, and Koç (Turkey). Students are also able to avail of world-wide exchanges, for example, to North America and Australia. These opportunities allow students the option of spending a year or part of a year abroad.
For more information on study abroad destinations and requirements visit: www.tcd.ie/study/study-abroad
Trinity College Dublin and Columbia University Dual BA Programme
Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology is also available within the Dual B.A. Programme between Trinity College Dublin and Columbia University. Please note: The Dual B.A. is only open to Single Honours students. Joint Honours students cannot apply to the Dual B.A.. For more details, see www.tcd.gs.columbia.edu.
Applicants to the Dual BA Programme must apply by 2nd January 2024 for September 2024 entry. The admissions process includes a review of the applicant’s academic history, letters of recommendation, an essay, and an interview conducted in English. Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) can be submitted but are not required for 2024 entry. Applications are reviewed by a joint committee with representatives from both Institutions. EU applicants to the Dual BA Programme must also apply to and receive an offer from their chosen programme at Trinity through the Central Applications Office (CAO)
